12/15/2025
Yes!
Except to the 10% statistic. That seems really high. Where is it 10%?
About 10% of infants born in the U.S. are admitted to the NICU each year, which means nearly 400,000 families face this reality annually. Colorado is now the first state in the country to create a paid Neonatal Care Leave that offers up to 12 additional weeks of time off when a newborn is in intensive care. Beginning January 1, 2026, this leave will be added to existing FAMLI bonding leave, giving some families up to 24 weeks of paid time off.
This is a major step forward for parents who should never have to choose between a paycheck and being with their baby during one of the most stressful moments of early life. A newborn in intensive care is overwhelming enough without the added worry of whether you can afford to stay by their side.
Neonatal Care Leave gives families the support they need during a NICU stay and ensures they can still take their full bonding leave once their baby is home. Colorado parents who lived these impossible choices helped drive this change forward.
One of them was Rep. Yara Zokaie, who shared the dilemma she faced when her son was born. “At that time where I should’ve been able to be fully present for him and for my family, I was working to make sure we could make rent that month,” she said. “It was incredibly scary as a new parent.”
listened to the realities families were facing. Now more parents will have the support they deserve during the moments that matter most.
